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ebraska's Natural Legacy
includes hawks and herons,
bats and butterflies, turtles
and tree frogs, milkweeds
and milk snakes, and almost
everything in between. Nebraska is a
beautiful, interesting and unique place in
part because of our wildlife. About 98%
of the thousands of birds, mammals, fish,
reptiles, amphibians, insects and plants are
considered "nongame" species in Nebraska
because they are not hunted, trapped or
fished. By law, revenue from hunting and
fishing licenses cannot be spent on "nongame" species, so the Wildlife Conservation
Fund was created. The Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund connects people to nature
through education. It is the state's primary source of funding for the research and
habitat restoration necessary to ensure that spectacular nongame species, such as the
whooping crane, river otter, and blowout penstemon thrive in Nebraska. By supporting
the Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund with a tax-deductible donation, you are
taking an active part in conserving our state's diverse wildlife and our natural legacy
for future generations.
A Newsletter from the Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund
Continued on page 2
Gray tree frog
You can
make the
difference
Remember our wildlife
and the wild places
that we want future
generations to enjoy.
Make sure to "check"
for wildlife on your
state tax return.
Look for the peregrine
falcon symbol and
donate all or a portion of
your tax refund to the
Wildlife Conservation
Fund. You can also
donate throughout the
year by calling (402)
471-0641 or online at
NebraskaWildlifeFund
.org
All donations are fully
tax deductible
2017
and WILD PLACES
Whooping Cranes – one of the most endangered cranes
species in North Americas with a wild population of
about 300 individuals.
Saving Wildlife
PHOTO
BY
ROCKY
HOFFMANN
PHOTO
BY
BOB
GRIER
ebr
inc
bat
and
and
everything in bet
N
I
nsects may be the least
loved members of the
animal kingdom. Some
of them bite, sting, or eat
our food! Nevertheless, we need them – or
at least most of them. A lot of insects are
actually quite fascinating, as many a curious
kid, wildlife watcher, or entomologist has
discovered. Insects are an essential part of
ecosystems. They serve a critical role in
food webs, pollination, and in providing
products such as silk, honey, and beeswax
used in numerous items
including lip balms, salves,
moisturizers, and cosmetics. Some
of the best native insect pollinators
include butterflies, moths, bumble bees,
beetles, and ants.
The monarch (Danaus plexippus) is one of
the most well-known butterfly species in the
United States, Canada, and Mexico. Despite
the popularity of this long-distance migrant,
the butterfly has been in steep decline because
of threats such as habitat loss, pesticide
a
o
By Melissa J. Panella, Fish and Wildlife
Biologist, Nebraska Game and Parks
Commission
Pollinators
More Than Pretty Butterf lies